Steh auf wenn du Deutscher bist!
- 10 Jun 06, 02:35 PM
I was lucky enough to be at the Germany v Costa Rica match yesterday. What an experience! My first ever World Cup game and the highest-scoring opening match in World Cup history β not a bad one to be at, eh?
I was sat just to the left of the half-way line, towards the back of the bottom tier. It was a perfect spot for Philip Lahmβs opening goal β I was on the side of the pitch that he cut inside from, so I had a great view of the arc of the ball as he curled it into the far corner. I wonβt go into too much detail about the or , as you can already find that elsewhere on the website. But, for what itβs worth, although Germany scored four goals, I thought they looked quite sluggish, and their defence looked vulnerable to say the least. Costa Rica only had two shots and scored both.
I was sat next to a German student who had finished his law exams that day. What a way to celebrate! He told me heβd acquired tickets to 16 matches (he was a bit vague on how exactly heβd managed to get hold of them) and would be visiting each of the He did a good job of translating the German chants for me - there was one song that everyone stood up for and applauded. After joining in three or four times I thought I should ask him what they were actually singing. βStand up if youβre Germanβ came the reply. No wonder he bought me a beer.
After the match I walked round to the Match of the Day presentation platform and said a brief hello to Ray Stubbs, Mark Lawrenson and the production team before they rushed off to the airport to catch a flight for Frankfurt (thereβs a big game going on there today apparently). Talking of which, the last song played over the loud speaker at the stadium yesterday was the English version of Three Lions - another omen!
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Paulo
Loving the bbc insight but what's with all the talk of omens?
When you believe in things that you dont understand, then you suffer.
Superstition aint the way!
Keep up the good work!
Kate
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It is not unusual to become nervous in the first match of world cup but it does not mean that Sweden is feared with Tridad and Tobago though it is true for a newcomer to make anything possible because they have nothing to loose rather if they can do something, it is bonus for them. Sweden is very experienced as they have been participating in the recent world cup finals and I can remember they were the third place winner in the 1994 world cup. It is very amazing that fans are making a festive mood for the players that may make them relax or who knows it can be a pressure for them.
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The "3 Lions" song by the Lightning Seeds has ALWAYS been popular around here (in Germany). For instance, the German Team at EURO 96 listened to it and sang it in the bus before every game, Klinsmann recently admitted - and they won the Cup.
So not really an omen for England...
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Dear Paul,
As you work for Match of the Day could you please pass on to whom it concerns the followig comments: The ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ logo during matches which has the time elapsed and scores etc is so small that for people with impaired vision or even normal eyesight it is just about unreadable.Is there any way it can be made larger to give us all a chance to read it? It is after all fairly important information if you have just tuned in or at any time during a match.Thank you
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How come you are there and I am here in the back garden having a BBQ. Keep up the good work!
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Hi George, thanks for your comments. The size of the clock and score graphics are set by Fifa, so we can't do anything about them I'm afraid! But I've passed on your comments to the relevant people in MOTD any way.
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Paul, or Pablo (like me) as I see you now - an adoption Uruguyan. However, you must say you follow Penarol if anyone asks!!! Going to matches etc and hanging out with Peru TV men, looking at the great German views - sounds like you are working hard!!! I am enjoying your omens, as I believe them too. I had one rabbit foot which if i carried my Uruguay team won! But then they lost to Austrialia so now I don't carry it.
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Paul, What did you think of Portugese team? I think they might win - outside chance. They played quite well last night and did not have Deco or Maniche from the start. Phew!
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Paul, I forgot - did you see the Portugal team yesterday? I think they might win - outside chance. They did a good game with no Deco and no Maniche/Costinho until near the end - phew!
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Paulo
Sounds like you're having a good time over there. Can't believe you managed to get to the opening match of a world cup - I'm very jealous.
Keep up the good 'work'.
Come on England...
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